EP3201107B1 - Mechatronic safety system for amusement rides, in particular roller coasters, carousels or the like - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a mechatronic security system for rides and a method for increasing the safety of rides.
Safety systems are known which monitor the wear of components in rides. For example, the EP 1 464 919 B1 a method and a device for monitoring chain wear in chain drive units, which are used for example in transport systems such as recreational trips, especially roller coasters.

The DE4430252 A1 discloses a movable along a track rail carriage assembly in particular for automatic sliding doors, revolving doors or the like. The carriage assembly comprises at least one running in the normal operating condition on the track support roller and a running in case of failure and / or failure of the support role and running on the running rail security role, the security role is electrically conductive at least in the area of their tread, about failure of the support role and the electrical contact between the security role and electrically conductive rail an electrical safety device can be triggered. If impairment of the safety of a ride is recognized by the security systems known in the prior art, for example a deterioration of a carrying characteristic of a load-bearing component, the known security systems react immediately to the operation of the ride.
This is where the invention starts.
The object of the invention is therefore to provide a security system for rides.
The object of the invention is achieved by a mechatronic safety system for rides with the features of claim 1 and a method for increasing the safety of rides with the features of claim 20.
Mechatronic systems are characterized by the fact that a sensor system for the acquisition of measured variables of a system state interacts with a special mechanism of the system. In the present invention, namely, one or more system-critical components, in particular load-bearing components of the ride are brought into operative connection with redundant components that at least partially take over the function of the supporting component in case of failure. This is detected by the sensor, so that subsequently the ride can be safely stopped. In contrast to known systems, therefore, the ride must not be switched off immediately in the event of a defect. For example, a carousel can still be driven to its final or starting position. The redundant mechanical component does not necessarily have to be coupled with the component to be secured, a type of bypass solution is also conceivable. The present invention provides a ride according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 18 for enhancing the safety of rides. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.
The inventive device for increasing the safety of rides with at least one mechatronic system is characterized in that the mechatronic system has first means for detecting a change in at least one feature in at least one component of a ride and second means to compensate for the change in the feature of Component for which a change has been detected by the first means.
The advantage of such a device is that the means can detect and process a feature impairing the safety of the ride, for example wearing characteristics of a load-carrying component of a ride. In this case, for example, the support function of a load-bearing component of a ride can be taken over by the means.

Advantageously, the device can be retrofitted to existing rides. As a result, not only can new installations be upgraded as an option, but the safety of old systems can also be subsequently increased. Significant, time-consuming and costly interventions in existing constructions are not required.

Preferably, use of the second means is controllable and / or controllable by the first means. As a result, a control loop can advantageously be realized with the mechatronic system, the first means recognizing changes in features of components of a ride as a controlled variable and the second means setting as actuators a detected actual value of a feature of a component to a predetermined desired value.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a change of at least one feature in at least one component is recognizable by the first means during the operation of the ride. Thus occurring security risks can be detected in real time. Trials of rides to detect a security risk carried out at certain time intervals are therefore no longer necessary. In such test drives, a security risk that arises between two consecutive test drives can not be detected, which is a safety issue for rides that are in operation during the test drives. The recognition of security risks in real time therefore has the advantage that occurring security risks can be recognized immediately during the operation of the ride.

In a further development of the invention, the compensation of the change in the feature of the component for which a change has been recognized by the first means, by the second means during the operation of the ride. A potentially occurring security risk can thus be remedied during the operation of the ride without having to stop the operation of the ride. In particular, the security risk can be remedied for a limited time. Following this, that is, after detecting the failure of the failed primary component, the system must be brought to a safe state.

Preferably, the second means are passive and / or unencumbered with respect to their safety function during a failure to recognize a change in at least one feature in at least one component. The first funds, however, are permanently in use during the operation of the ride. In order to reduce wear and / or consumption of the second means, it proves to be advantageous that the second means only come into operation if a change of at least one feature in at least one component was recognized by the first means.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the mechatronic system on predetermined components, in particular movable or immovable components, such as screw, can be used. This makes it possible to use the mechatronic system on components, so-called "hot spots", which are particularly frequently exposed to high loads during operation of the ride (eg strut bearings, waves of passenger gondolas, outriggers, gondola suspensions). In such components, the probability of occurrence of a security risk is particularly high, which is why proves to be advantageous to be able to monitor these components.

Preferably, the first means substantially changes, in particular in a wear and / or a structural behavior can be seen. Wear and changes in structural behavior are the most common factors leading to a safety risk.

In a development of the invention, a total failure or total failure of at least one component can be recognized by the first means. The total failure of a component is particularly safety-relevant and must therefore be recognized by a security system in any case.

Preferably, an emergency stop, ie an emergency shutdown for the ride, can be triggered by the first means upon detection of the total failure. Compared with the current reaction speed of the operator personnel, the mechatronic system can initiate an emergency stop faster and more safely.

Preferably, the ride has as components for which changes in features are detected, welded assemblies, such as welded together pipes, and / or bolts, fasteners, in particular screws, and / or joints. These components are the most commonly used parts of rides and can pose particularly high safety risks. In addition, the ride can have further mechanical components for which a change of a feature can be detected by the first means.

In a development of the invention, the first means of the mechatronic system have components for processing at least of an electrical signal. Electrical signals are particularly easy to generate, quickly evaluate and forward.
The second means of the mechatronic system preferably have mechanical modules, in particular supporting elements. The mechanical modules assume the primary function of the ride when a security risk occurs. Since structural components of construction business represent a particularly high security risk, it is advantageous that the second means have support elements in order to be able to assume the primary function of traction elements in rides, namely the support function, when a safety risk occurs. The ride is a roller coaster or a carousel. However, the application of the mechatronic system is not limited only to a certain type of ride, but can also be used in other types of the genus.
The inventive method for increasing the security of rides with a device according to the invention is characterized in that when a change in at least one feature in at least one component of a ride, the mechatronic system detects the change during operation of the ride and controls a control loop that controls the change balances. Depending on the ride, a security risk can either be detected in real time, for example at carousels, or almost in real time, for example on a roller coaster at the next stay in the station, and be fixed during the operation of the ride, without switching off this.

Advantageously, in the method, the mechatronic system switches off the ride when the total failure of at least one component of a ride is detected by the mechatronic system. Thanks to the mechatronic system, an emergency stop can be initiated faster and more reliably than the current reaction speed of the operator personnel.

Preferably, test signals are generated or evaluated on a continuous or random basis during the operation of the ride, in order to monitor the availability of the mechatronic system. Thus, a readiness of the mechatronic system can be monitored.

Figur 1

eine ausschnittsweise dreidimensionale Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit einem Ausführungsbeispiel eines mechatronischen Systems,

Figur 2

eine Detailansicht des mechatronischen Systems nach Figur 1,

Figur 3

eine Schnittdarstellung des mechatronischen Systems nach Figur 1,

Figur 4

schematisch ein Tragelement in Form eines Hohlrohres im intakten Zustand,

Figur 5

das in Figur 4 gezeigte Hohlrohr im gebrochenen Zustand und damit im Fehlerfall,

Figur 6

ein weiteres Beispiel einer Welle mit innenliegendem Bolzen, und

Figur 7

eine Ausschnittvergrößerung des in Figur 6 gezeigten Bolzens.

The invention will be explained in detail with reference to the following figures. Show it:

FIG. 1

3 is a fragmentary three-dimensional view of an exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention with an exemplary embodiment of a mechatronic system,

FIG. 2

a detailed view of the mechatronic system according to FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3

a sectional view of the mechatronic system according to FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4

schematically a support element in the form of a hollow tube in the intact state,

FIG. 5

this in FIG. 4 Hollow tube shown in the broken state and thus in case of failure,

FIG. 6

another example of a shaft with internal bolt, and

FIG. 7

a detail enlargement of the in FIG. 6 shown bolt.

To avoid unnecessary repetition, the following are the FIGS. 1 . 2 and 3 described together. Like reference numerals in the figures designate like reference parts, respectively.

In FIG. 1 correspond connecting rods 51, the carousel figures, present chassis 60, connect to a vertical axis of rotation 70, components 50, for which a feature change is to be detected. The components 50, which are mounted on the vertical axis of rotation 70 by means of fork heads 31, perform during the operation of the carousel from a superimposed movement. On the one hand, the components 50 rotate about the vertical axis of rotation 70, on the other hand, the components 50 perform guided by the fork heads 31 up and down movement along the vertical axis of rotation 70. During the upward and downward movement, the components 50 carry the weight of the chassis 60 and thus assume a supporting function. From the mechatronic system 20 in FIG. 1 only one component 50 is detected. Advantageously, a mechatronic system 20 can be attached or retrofitted to each connecting rod 51 of the carousel.

FIG. 2 shows particularly clearly how the mechatronic system 20 is attached to components 50 of the carousel. At its one end 22, a hinge 21 is attached by means of a clevis 31 to the vertical axis of rotation 70 of the carousel, which constitutes a connection between the component 50 and the clevis 31. At the other end 23 of the joint 21, a first pipe clamp 25 is attached by means of a screw 24. The first pipe clamp 25 surrounds the component 50 and clamps it by means of a screw connection 26. Between the two ends 22, 23 of the joint 21, a second pipe clamp 27 is attached by means of a screw connection 28. The second clamp 27 also surrounds the component 50 and clamps this by means of a screw 29 a.

The joint 21 together with the mounted on the vertical axis of rotation 70 clevis 31 and the first 25 and the second pipe clamp 27 takes over a part of the mechatronic system 20. Should be impaired during operation of the carousel, the support function of the component 50, for example, by material wear on the Clevis 31, which performs the up and down movement of the component 50 and is exposed during operation of the carousel particularly high loads, then this part can take over the supporting function of the component 50. The material wear can also occur on a component that assumes a primary function of the ride. The clevis 31 as part of a secondary system with its connection to the component 50 is redundant to a joint Y, on which the component 50 is mounted.

The sectional view of the FIG. 3 illustrates how a change in the support function of the component 50 and thus the effectiveness of the function of the redundant part can be detected. The end 22 of the joint 21, with which the joint 21 is attached by means of a clevis 31 to the vertical axis of rotation 70, has a recess 32 through which a fastening means 33, for example a clamping bolt, passes through for attachment of the joint 21 to the clevis 31 The recess 32 is dimensioned such that, given a normal operation of the carousel with regard to occurring safety risks plus defined tolerance ranges, the edge 34 of the recess 32 does not come into contact with the recess 32 passing through the recess 32 Fastener 33 is coming. If, during operation of the carousel, a change in the support function of the component 50 that affects the safety of the carousel occurs, that is to say the upward and downward movement of the component 50 changes in a non-negligible range, the fastening means 33 comes with appropriate dimensioning of the recess 32 with the edge 34 of the recess 32 in contact. Thus, the appropriately sized recess 32 is a means 30 which detects the change in the support function of the component 50 and the effectiveness of the support function of the joint 21. The passing through the recess 32 fastener 33 and the recess 32 may be designed such that when contacting the edge 34 of the recess 32 with the fastener 33, an electrical signal is generated, which can be read as a warning or distress signal.

If the contacting of the edge 34 of the recess 32 with the fastening means 33 passing through it is advantageously detected by a force sensor, the carousel of. Can correspond to a total contact force exceeding a defined maximum amount, which would correspond to a total failure of the component 50, in particular the clevis 31 the first means 30 emergency shutdown.

In FIG. 4 is another example of a component is shown, as it is commonly used in rides. This is a hollow tube 100, as it can be used for example as a support tube or wheel shaft in a ride. The hollow tube 100 may also be a hollow shaft. Concentric with the center axis X is inside this hollow tube 100, a rod 120. The rod 120 may also be a shaft. The hollow tube 100 and the rod 120, which are made of metal, for example, do not touch, but are provided with suitable electrical contacts 102, 122. The contacts 102, 122 each represent contact areas. These contacts 102, 122 are connected via lines 130, 132 to a control unit 140 in connection. The control unit 140 checks whether the contacts 102, 122 are in contact with each other or not. Ideally, ie with intact hollow shaft 100, the contacts 102 and 122 are not connected to each other. The contact 102 is for this example, with a conductive coating, which is attached to the inner wall of the hollow tube 100, in electrical connection. The contact 122 is, for example, in communication with a conductive coating on the outside of the rod 120. The mentioned conductive coatings are preferably all over the inside of the hollow tube 100 and the entire surface mounted on the outside of the rod 120. Since the hollow tube 100 and the rod 120 do not touch in the intact state of the hollow tube 100, the control unit 140 also detects no short circuit between the contacts 102, 122. A proper operation can be signaled by the control unit 140, for example by a "Ein Signal is output from the control unit 140.

In FIG. 5 the fracture of the hollow tube 100 is shown schematically. Such a break may occur, for example, by material fatigue of the hollow tube 100 or a sudden external mechanical stress. The break point of the hollow tube 100 is indicated by arrows in FIG. 5 marked. This rupture of the hollow tube 100 causes the portions of the hollow tube 100 to impact the separately held, inner rod 120. In this case, the conductive coating on the inside of the hollow tube 100 comes into contact with the conductive coating on the outside of the rod 120. These contact points are in FIG. 5 marked with the reference numerals 150 and 152. This short circuit is via the contacts 102, 122 and the Lines 130, 132 of the control unit 140 which indicates a signal of this malfunction of the hollow tube 100. However, since the rod 120 located inside the hollow tube 100 still assumes the supporting function of the hollow tube 100 at least temporarily, the ride does not need to be switched off immediately after the breakage. Rather, it is possible that the ride leads, for example, his current ride to the end and only then is blocked for further trips.

Although in connection with the embodiment of Figure 4 and FIG. 5 It is mentioned that the monitoring of the defect of the hollow tube 100 is electrically, this is readily by optical monitoring, for example via scanners, possible. The monitoring can also be done electromagnetically, for example via radio, Bluetooth and / or WLAN etc.

In one embodiment of the invention, it is also possible to provide a permanent contact between the rod 120 and the hollow tube 100 in the intact state of the hollow tube 100 available and only when this constant contact is interrupted to generate the error signal. Such an embodiment is associated with the FIGS. 6 and 7 explained in more detail.

FIG. 6 again shows a shaft 250 on the left and right two wheels 260, 262 are arranged. Inside the shaft 250 is now a bolt 200, the in FIG. 7 is shown in more detail. The bolt 200 is disposed inside the shaft 250. For this purpose, the shaft 250 is again hollow. The bolt 200 is designed so that it can not support the loads of the shaft 250 in case of breakage. In this case, other positive and non-positive geometries assume the safety function, for example a support function, up to for shutdown. Breaks the shaft 250, which may also be just a connecting pin, then breaks in consequence of the overload and the bolt 200. On the bolt 200 is applied to detect this break between two insulating layers 204, 210, a microstructured conductor 206 in the form of a meander. It is also possible for a plurality of such interconnects to run in parallel, so that monitoring would be multi-channel and therefore redundant. If the bolt 200 breaks due to the overload, the mentioned conductor track 206 is likewise interrupted at at least one point. This interruption leads to a significant change in the electrical resistance from low to high impedance, which is passed on by a suitable control unit, which is connected to the electrical connections 218, 219, which are connected to the conductor track 206.

As a result, in this arrangement, when the shaft 250 is broken, no contact is closed but a closed contact is permanently opened to generate a miss signal from the control unit. It should be noted in conclusion that, for reasons of clarity in FIG. 6 and 7 it has been refrained from representing a component that assumes its carrying capacity in the event of breakage of the shaft 250. This in FIG. 7 Additionally mentioned reference numeral 216 denotes a ring 216 for mounting the bolt 200 within the shaft 250.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

contraption

20

Mechatronic system

21

joint

22

The End

23

The End

24

screw

25

pipe clamp

26

screw

27

pipe clamp

28

screw

29

screw

30

medium

31

clevis

32

recess

33

fastener

34

edge

40

medium

50

component

51

connecting rod

60

chassis

70

axis of rotation

100

hollow tube

102

Contact

120

pole

122

Contact

130

management

132

management

140

control unit

150

contact area

152

contact area

200

bolt

204

insulation layer

206

conductive layer

208

drilling

210

insulation layer

216

wave

218

Connectors

219

Connectors

250

wave

260

wheel

262

wheel

X

axis

Y

joint

Claims (20)

1. Amusement ride, i.e. carousel or roller coaster, with an apparatus (10) for increasing the safety of this amusement ride with at least one mechatronic system (20), which comprises mechanical means (30) to fully or at least partially take over the function of the defective mechanical component in the event of a defect of a mechanical component of the amusement ride as well as further means (40) to detect a defect of the mechanical component and provide an error signal, characterized in that the mechanical component is a component taking over a load-bearing function of a chassis of the amusement ride, in that the mechanical means (30) only takes over this load-bearing function in the event of a defect of the mechanical component and in that the further means (40) comprises optical means or electrical means arranged at least partly on the mechanical component for monitoring the mechanical component.
2. Apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical means (40) generates an emergency stop signal.
3. Apparatus (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mechanical means (30) comprises a redundant further component to take over the function of the mechanical component, the mechanical component and the further component being coupled to a control unit.
4. Apparatus (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the coupling of the control unit (140) is formed with the mechanical component and the further component electronically, electromagnetically and/or optically.
5. Apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the mechanical component is a hollow tube (100), in which a rod (120) is located as a second component.
6. Apparatus (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the hollow tube (100) and the rod (120) are electrically and/or optically coupled to one another in such a way that a contact of the hollow tube (100) and the rod (120) provides an error signal in a control unit (140).
7. Apparatus (10) according to claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the apparatus (10) can be retrofitted to existing rides.
8. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that a change of at least one characteristic in at least one component (50) of the electrical means (40) is detectable during the operation of the ride.
9. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that the change of the characteristic of the component (50), for which a change is detected by the electrical means (40) is compensated by the second means (30) during the operation of the ride.
10. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that the mechanical means (30) passively and/or with regard to their safety function is unstressed during a non-detection of change of at least one characteristic in at least one component (50).
11. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that the mechatronic system (20) is arranged on movable or immovable components (50).
12. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that the electrical means (40) can detect wear and/or a change of the bearing capacity in one component (50).
13. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that the electrical means (40) can detect a total failure of at least one component (50).
14. Apparatus (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that the electrical means (40) can trigger an emergency stop of the ride upon detection of total failure.
15. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that the amusement ride (50) has as components welded assemblies and/or bolts, fasteners, in particular screws and/or joints.
16. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that the electrical means (40) of the mechatronic system (20) comprises components for processing at least one electrical signal.
17. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that the mechanical means (30) of the mechatronic system (20) comprises mechanical modules, in particular load-bearing elements.
18. Method (10) for increasing the safety of amusement rides, i.e. carousels or roller coasters according to any one of claims 1 to 17 with the following steps:

    - providing a sensor device, which detects when the mechanical component to be protected in its function is replaced by a redundant component, wherein the sensor device is arranged at least partly on the component to be protected; and

    - generation of an error signal as soon as the sensor device detects a load-bearing function has been taken over.
19. Method (10) according to claim 18, characterized in that the mechatronic system (20) performs an emergency stop of the ride when a total failure of at least one component (50) of a ride is detected by the mechatronic system (20).
20. Method (10) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that test signals are permanently or randomly generated and evaluated during operation of the ride to monitor the availability of the mechatronic system.

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